Tucked away off of Merrill Road is a vegetarian and vegan gem, Tabouleh. Go for the sampler plate, which includes warm falafel, grape leaves, tabouli, hummus and more, to maximize the veggie deliciousness.

Jessica Campbell, jaxveganlove.com

With two locations (Baymeadows and San Jose), locally owned Native Sun has a wide assortment of wraps and sandwiches that are vegetarian, like the filling Hannah Park, which is made with tempeh. They also have a great juice and smoothie bar that uses milk alternatives like almond and soy milk for vegan patrons.

Jessica Campbell, jaxveganlove.com

With four locations in Jacksonville and one in St. Augustine, Mellow Mushroom is a great go-to spot for vegetarian offerings. The hummus appetizer with pita points is perfect for sharing pre-meal.

• Jax Beach restaurant Zeta, on First Avenue North, is adding a brewery to its space, and will begin brewing its own line of craft beers.

• Corner Taco food truck has opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 818 Post St. in 5 Points, serving lunch and dinner.

• Anatolia Grill & Bar, at 9825 San Jose Blvd., recently closed.

What's 31 days long, full of health benefits and colorful vegetables, and has local community and restaurant support? If you guessed No Meat March, you win. (I probably shouldn't proclaim "winner, winner, chicken dinner!")

Foregoing meat is gaining momentum for a number of reasons, and while many already honor Meatless Monday — dedicating one day a week to conscientious vegetarianism — No Meat March (nomeatmarch.com) encourages Northeast Floridians to take a 31-day pledge to give up meat and seafood. As a participant for the past two years, I found my energy increased and I began craving leafy greens and juicy fruits. Honestly, tempeh and tofu (which, when cooked properly, is quite versatile) are delicious and enabled me to experience one of the best Reuben sandwiches of my life, made with tempeh, sauerkraut and avocado on pressed ciabatta bread.

Local meteorologist Julie Watkins, a vegan all the time (not just Mondays, and not just March), helped found Girls Gone Green in 2007 to bring awareness to the environment, animal welfare and health. "Everything is connected," she says, "and how we look at one greatly impacts the others."

Meat-free for nearly 20 years, Watkins has several favorite places around the area with menu items she recommends. "Happy Cup in Atlantic Beach has the yummiest wraps — the strawberry with hazelnut, almonds and agave is the best," she raves. "And Tapa That [in 5 Points] has mushroom quesadillas that are amazing!"

Looking for easy meat-free options? Hit these spots: any Mellow Mushroom, any Tropical Smoothie (which carries Beyond Meat, chicken-free strips you can substitute in any menu item), Buddha Thai Bistro and any European Street Café.

"No Meat March is a short-term commitment and challenge that will take you out of your box," says Jessica Campbell, co-founder of Jax Vegan Love. "It will inspire you to explore new recipes at home and try new menu items you may have previously overlooked when dining out."

Campbell has been meat-free for three years. JVL was created in March 2013 as a way for her and others to share their passion and enthusiasm for all things meatless on the First Coast. "My goal since day one has always been to work with local restaurants to get more vegan items added — and clearly labeled — on menus," she says.